Category : Daily Nutrition

Walking down grocery store aisles, you are bound to come across something with aloe in it, from drinks and food to hair care and lotions. It would actually be shocking for you to not find something that is related.

At this point, you have to wonder, is it all hype? Can the plant really do what people say it can do?

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most popular theories.

It is said to help with acne.

Because aloe vera contains antioxidants and vitamins, it is believed to help protect skin. But does this translate to a reliable acne treatment?

Researchers created a topical ointment made up of tretinoin and the gel for mild to moderate acne. 60 subjects were studied; some were given the first treatment and others were given a different formula.

The gel formula had positive feedback, being described as “well-tolerated” and “significantly more effective” than the other treatment.

That’s pretty cool, right? But why do researchers think that it worked?

Well, the plant can help naturally support the body’s response to inflammation. This is due to to its polysaccharide content that helps reduce the promotion of prostagandin synthesis and leucocytes.

And remember, acne is a type of inflammation, the tale-telling symptom being red, inflamed skin.

More study is needed for other more aggressive forms of acne, and if the gel can be used on its own as a topical ointment.

It can help promote clear skin and anti-aging.

Okay, this one definitely sounds like a stretch, right? Anti-aging? Yeah, right.

But knowing how the gel can be beneficial for acne, it may be a little easier to understand where theories about where this idea originates.

But does this theory actually hold up?

Well…potentially, yeah!

Specific polysaccharides from this plant’s gel, called mucopolysaccharides, support skin moisture and the appearance of wrinkles. Other phytonutrients, including amino acids, also help encourage skin elasticity, which promotes softness.

The study focused on assembly-line workers (30 women) who had occupation-related, dry and irritated skin. They were subjected to wearing gloves that were outfitted with aloe vera for multiple hours of the day, for 30 days.

So, was the experiment a total bust? Nope!

Researchers found that the subject’s skin had improved, with decreased appearance of fine wrinkling, dermatitis and dry skin.

Aloe vera can help hydrate.

Moving along from the benefits of topical gel, let’s look into oral consumption. Drinking its juice, or water mixed with the juice, is thought to help support hydration.

On this side of the spectrum, research becomes a little more sparse. Much of the benefits of consumption can be attributed to anecdotal evidence, which doesn’t sit right with everyone.

So if that’s not your thing, this benefit may be a “no-go.”

Healthline reports that this consumption can help promote healthy hydration, primarily due to the spiky plant’s naturally water-density. That makes sense, especially as the juice is described as “refreshing.”

The health authority also goes on to say that the juice may be a good way to rehydrate after workouts, specifically because more fluids are needed to help decrease lactic acid afterward.

But like coconut water, more research would be necessary to confirm hands-down, although it wouldn’t hurt to try.

It can help with digestion.

Oral consumption is also said to also help with digestion. This is because the green plant holds specific enzymes that aid in breaking down sugars and fats, which support smooth digestion.

Its water content has also been seen as an asset for digestion. Healthline suggests that increasing water content in the intestines can help stimulate peristalsis, which also supports smooth digestion.

So, if you’re having a little stomach distress, a swig of aloe juice/water could help do the trick. In fact, one double-blind study found that its laxative-like property helped relieve constipation.

Studies have explored how this digestive support affects disorders and diseases, like irritable bowel disease (IBD) and ulcerative colitis, but more study is needed to determine it exact efficacy. So far, it’s a mixed bag: some people have reported improved symptoms; however, others says there’s no effect.

It could help support immunity.

Aloe vera is sometimes is seen as a “superfood” or “miracle” food due to its many properties, especially due to its supposed ability to help support the body’s immune system.

So, where does this theory stem from?

This green and refreshing plant contains special antioxidants called flavonoids, tannins and carotenoids, which may help support the body’s response to oxidative damage. By doing so, this can help the immune system properly function at its best.

The plant’s enyzmes may also help support nutrtion absoprtion, which can help support immune response.

Apple cider vinegar is taking the health world by storm and for good reason! Out of all the different kinds of vinegars, it is the one that can boost some of the highest amounts of vitamins and minerals. That’s why Pure Planet makes not just one but TWO refreshing, yet nutritious blends.

Vinegar might not be the first thing that comes to mind when hear the word “refreshing,” but Pure Planet has been around long enough to know that when can make something healthy taste delicious it’s a lot easier to drink it every day.

Focusing on two of its most potent properties, the family-owned company created Apple Cider Probiotic and Alkalizer. Both blends contain whole-food ingredients that target specific functions and taste buds.

Conveniently, the two dry-mix beverages have long shelf lives and don’t require refrigeration.

Probiotic ǀ Lemon Flavor

You’re probably already hip to probiotics, but if you aren’t they are beneficial microorganisms that help aid digestion, boost immune function, increase nutrient absorption and keep harmful pathogens from overgrowth. Apple cider vinegar naturally contains probiotic enzymes, because it originates from fermented apples. Fermentation breaks down nutrients and makes them more easily digestible.

Pure Planet boosts those digestion benefits by including a well-researched probiotic strain, bacillus coagulans, plus ginger and turmeric into its blend for extra gut support. Together, the Probiotic formula helps promote digestive health with a pleasant lemon for flavor.

Alkalizer ǀ Cherry Flavor

Here’s a quick lowdown on alkalinity: it’s the acidic measurement for foods, drinks and the body, referred to as the pH level. Ranging from 1 (Acidic) – 10 (Alkaline), a smaller pH number is said to be more prone to illness and disease with neutral in-between. Nutritionists believe a healthy body should be a bit more Alkaline (7sih).

Drinking Pure Planet’s Alkalizer can be another way to offset acidity and provide the body with pH balance. This mix is blended with powerhouse superfoods beets and cherries to support healthy blood circulation and immune function. Plus, it tastes like cherry fruit punch without the sugar and excessive calories.

Pure and True Since ‘92

Pure Planet’s Apple Cider Vinegar is non-GMO, USDA certified Organic and sustainably-farmed. Learn more about the products and the local Long Beach California company at pureplanet.com.

We are OBSESSED with sea vegetables like algae because they are so underrated. The blue-green variety (also known as spirulina) is one our faves, because it’s basically one of Mother Nature’s least-talked about multi-vitamins. It baffles us that these marine plants don’t get as much love as they deserve.

They are available in different varieties, mostly defined by color – including yellow, brown, green, blue-green, yellow green and one of our all-time favorites, red.

Funnily enough, this color strain is probably the most under-appreciated and least known of all… but not for long. We think it will be on the up and up very soon. Now’s your chance to get ahead of the curve.

Why? Well, because it can make a great addition to any wellness regimen, for those who are serious about their health and even for casual vitamin-users.

Microalgae represent an almost untapped resource of natural antioxidants, due to their enormous biodiversity, much more diverse than higher plants. However, not all groups of microalgae can be used as natural sources of antioxidants, due to their widely varied contents of target products, growth rate or yields, ease of cultivation, and/or other factors.

These antioxidants can also help support eye and skin health with minerals such as:

Folate

Calcium

Magnesium

Zinc

Iron

Selenium

It can help support the body’s response to inflammation.

Algae naturally contains not only anti-inflammatory antioxidants, but also minerals and phytonutrients. A study published in Marine Drugs explored this effect in depth.

The researchers explain that specifically high chlorophyll and omemga-3 fatty acid content support the body’s natural process of relieving pain and inflammation. This works by helping the body manage oxidative stress.

Managing this stress also helps prevent chronic disease!

Red marine algae contains a special kind of polysaccharide.

Trust us, it’s really special. All algae are rich in polysaccharides, but only the red strain contains carrageenan. This phytochemical helps support the immune system against viruses and infections.

Gigartina, a red algae species, has actually been associated with possibly treating candida and other infections. One study published in Mycopathologia suggests that extracts may be able to effectively inhibit fungal growth.

The same theory has been applied to the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV). More study is needed to help help warrant these claims though.

Important Note

Some of you may have heard of carrageenan before in a different light. We like to keep things pure + true, so here’s a little background:

This chemical is sometimes extracted from red algae and injected into store-bought milk products. This is because it can act as a thickening agent, adding much-needed consistency to these types of products.

Carrageenan is good right? So, what’s the issue?

Well, it may be good coming from a whole food seaweed source, but simply using the extract as an additive is problematic.

Why?

Alone, it holds no nutritional value – it isn’t even digestible. Due to this, the additive may damage your gut. Some nutritionists suggest steering clear of it.

But you don’t have to worry about it in seaweed, because it is naturally occurring. No studies have linked the whole food source with the same issues.

You can easily add it to your diet.

Okay, back to some light-hearted goodness. What’s the fourth reason for you two give red algae a try? What about it’s ease of use?

Lots of people get a little cautious about how they are going to consume seaweed. So let’s just answer the question you might be thinking of:

No, you do not eat it directly out the ocean! Those sources are potentially dangerous, carrying with them bacteria and disease. Don’t touch them.

Lucky for you, seaweed is growing in popularity. They are available in snack chip form and can even be integrated into salad garnishes.

See It in Action

Red algae is a little harder to find. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Want to give it a try? Check out our Red Marine Algae Plus (with spirulina), which can help support the immune system.

Unless you’re a total health-freak, you probably had no idea the amla berry existed.

But that doesn’t mean you haven’t encountered it somehow in your life. You may be more familiar with its more common name, Indian gooseberry.

Native to Southeast Asia, this Indian treasure is heralded for its nutritional value in Ayurvedic medicine and considered a rare superfood.

The oil from this plant is sometimes used in hair products, for its ability to nourish and improve hair health. The fruit itself can also promote healthy living.

While the berry looks like a large grape with its rounded, green exterior and slightly sour taste, it’s most definitely not! One of the main differences is its antioxidant properties.

So, just what can that help with?

Amla Berry Provides the Body with Helpful, Plant-Based Antioxidants

The berry contains antioxidants that can help protect and nourish the body by aiding with various body processes.

Fighting Oxidative Stress & Inflammation

Generally, antioxidants can help fight free radicals that may appear in the body. While the production of these radicals is actually normal (and necessary in some instances), excess amounts can be detrimental. This is because they can contribute to harmful diseases.

How exactly does this happen?

In essence, these radicals cause damage by causing your body to react to them, sometimes leading to a chain reaction of sorts. This damages cells in the process.

So, where does this Indian gooseberry come in?

Consumption (among other health foods, like greens) can help promote your body’s ability to protects its cells from their damage. That is because it contains flavinoid antioxidants, like quercetin. Reduction and neutralization of free radicals can also support the body’s response to inflammation.

That is in addition to the fruit’s natural ability to fight inflammation.

In one study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, gooseberry was associated with decreased levels of cytokines, an inflammatory biomarker. Though, it’s worth mentioning that this study was based on test tube analysis.

Supporting Sustained Blood Sugar Levels + Diabetes Support

This fruit’s anitoxidant power is amplified in conjunction with fiber. Together, they can help support healthy blood sugar levels by slowing sugar absorption.

But that’s only just a fraction of how it might be able to help diabetes patients.

One study published in Food & Function reports that the could help prevent consequences of uncontrolled levels, like kidney damage.

Naturopaths have also linked this berry to hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy prevention, and protein maintenance.

Supplying a Good Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C provides antioxidant support, especially with its ability to help strengthen the immune system. Luckily, the the gooseberry contains high amounts of Vitamin C.

In fact, Live Strong reports that it amounts to 20 times the levels found in orange juice.

Plus, gooseberry’s natural properties make it like no other source of Vitamin C out there.

Sorry to sounds like a cars salesman, but these properties are pretty cool.

You see, this berry contains natural substances that help protect its vitamin-content, even when it’s being heated or dried. And gooseberry’s particular Vitamin C source is suggested to be better absorbed by the body when compared to synthetic sources because of its flavinoid-content.

Supports Skin and Hair with Vitamin E

Another vitamin antioxidant that amla helps provide is Vitamin E. This comes especially in handy for hair and skin health. While most evidence of this is anecdotal, some studies do show support.

For example, one field review reports that Vitamin E could help fight oxidation stress, therefore protecting skin. In particular, the vitamin is said to encourage healthy nails.

And as for hair?

Well, lots of shampoo and conditioner companies actually integrate Vitamin E into their formula. Well, that and a bunch of non-essential and potentially harmful chemicals like parabens.

Alma berry provides the vitamin, naturally.

A Tropical Life Sciences Research study found that the vitamin and antioxidant may help support hair growth for some people with alopecia.

Pure Planet’s Amla Plus

We recognize the antioxidant benefits of amla and that’s why we decided to strengthen our own dried powder blends with spirluina. Spirulina has been known to help fight against free radicals in the body and protein synthesis. We think they’re the perfect pair to help maximize absorption and support a high protein diet.

Our Organic Alma Plus may help boost immune function, while also protecting the body with oxidative stress.

Most of us have been raised on wheat bread. It has often been touted as the “healthier” whole grain compared to other types. Thinking back, we can all probably remember our parents making us sandwiches and grilled cheeses with bread from this grain. Let’s also not forget those comforting morning cereals that are also loaded with this stuff.

But is the grain really as good as it is suggested to be? And are there other whole grains that can work as a wheat alternative?

The Truth About Wheat

Are you comfortable? Because you’re in for quite the story. You see, while you might grab a bag of bread in the store or add it to your online cart without question, there’s actually a huge debate happening between nutritionists and experts.

To begin, wheat comes in many different varieties, much like our favorite ice creams. With that being said, the grain we know and love (or despise) has not always been the same throughout the years. In fact, it is quite different than it used to be.

Que the conspiracy music! Okay, maybe we’re drumming this up a bit, but that’s only because this is important.

The processes used to create the grain nowadays are different from, let’s say, the 1950s. Obviously. But that actually yields a totally different, more refined wheat — one that varies nutritionally from older grains.

That’s not all bad. Refined wheat can be created cheaply and at a greater quantity, which means it’s easy attainable. We don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it either.

However, the older grains, like Emmer, Enkorn and Kamut, are all more nutritious than the grain used today. Healthline reports that the most popular wheat grown today is high-yield dwarf wheat.

And that makes us a little sad. Why? Because this type of grain is a weird hybrid. It was developed using crude genetic manipulation and cross-breeding.

Nutrition Differences

Just how nutritious is modern wheat compared to older grains? One study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology suggests that grain produced from 1968-2005 is 19-28% lower in concentrations of minerals, such as zinc, copper, iron and magnesium. Coincidentally, that’s around the time modern grains were being crafted. Another study suggests older grains also contained more Selenium. These minerals and nutrients are essential to total body function.

Some nutritionists also point out that because the genetic compositions are different, modern grains can do much more damage to those with Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a harsh form of gluten intolerance that causes many people to adhere to a strict, non-gluten diet.

Additionally, one study found that older grains caused less adverse reactions than modern strains, that may be due to specific gluten proteins.

While gluten-intolerance is pretty widely known these days, not many people know that gluten is more than just one protein — it’s actually several. One of these proteins, Gila-α9, seems to be the biggest trouble-maker, potentially wrecking havoc on the body.

And guess what modern wheat is filled with? Yup, Gila-α9!

Because of this protein, it is theorized that modern grains have contributed to the growing cases of Celiac disease and gluten intolerances among the general population. More study is needed, but it’s definitely an interesting perspective.

Barley: The Wheat Alternative

If you want to give wheat a break, there are a few options. You can still find older grains thanks to the wonders of the Internet and in some specialty health stores. But we’d like to spotlight one of our favorites.

We’re talking about barley!

Barley happens be to an older cereal grain and one of the most cultivated. But what makes it different from wheat?

We love barley, which is why we use it for our Organic Just Barley juice blend. Specifically, we use the leaf (not the grain), grown in pristine, mineral spring water. But don’t worry, the leaf still holds chlorophyll, B-Vitamins and minerals.

This green juice can help support energy, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Ready To Make the Switch?

Like what you’re hearing? Try using switch out wheat for barley. Plus, try our Organic Just Barely Juice, which can be integrated into any daily health regimen.